Safe Sport Policies

The below SafeSport Policies have been created with the assistance of USA Hockey to streamline and communicate the policies that apply to all USA Hockey Programs. The information also identifies areas where abuse can arise and provides guidelines to reduce the risk of that abuse.
The following policies are detailed below:

North Devils' Reporting Policy
North Devils' Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse Policies
North Devils’ Travel Policy
North Devils' Bullying and Hazing Policies
North Devils’ Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communication Policy
North Devils’ Locker Room Policy

North Devils Reporting Policy
Effective the 2013/14 season, the North Devils hockey program is implementing the following policies:
• Locker Room Policy
• Travel Policy
• Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communications Policy
• Hazing & Bullying Policy
• Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse Policies
In the event that any of North Devils board members, coaches, or team administrators observe inappropriate behaviors (i.e. policy violations), suspected physical and sexual abuse, or any other type of abuse or misconduct, it is the personal responsibility of each such person to immediately report their observations to the appropriate person as described in below. To guide this reporting, the North Devils program is fully adopting the Reporting Policy of USA Hockey as stated in the USA Hockey SafeSport Program Handbook.
In addition to reporting within USA Hockey, such persons must also report suspected child physical or sexual abuse to appropriate law enforcement authorities when required under this Policy and/or under applicable law. Coaches and other volunteers should not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual abuse allegations as a condition for reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities
The SafeSport Handbook is intended to remain a "living document" that may require changes on an ongoing basis to protect USA Hockey and its members, respond to the needs of USA Hockey and its Affiliates, and to comply with applicable law. Accordingly, the SafeSport Task Force will again provide an update to the Board of Directors at the 2014 Winter Meeting, and additional modifications to the Handbook will be considered in June, 2014.

Reporting of Concerns of Abuse

An effective reporting policy that results in reports of suspected abuse and misconduct, and does not in any way deter victims or witnesses from reporting abuse and misconduct, is a key element to preventing abuse and misconduct from occurring. Potential abusers will avoid involvement in a program where there is a likelihood that suspected abuse will be reported. When sport stakeholders are untrained about how and when to report suspected abuse, they may feel ill-prepared, powerless and lost when it comes to responding to and reporting misconduct. By providing this guidance on when and how to report suspected misconduct, USA Hockey seeks to remove barriers to disclosing misconduct, including child physical and sexual abuse.
In This Policy on Reporting Concerns of Abuse is:
• The Reporting Policy, which describes who must report violations or suspicions of potential or actual abuse or misconduct.
• The Reporting Procedure, which describes:
— to whom reports are made (including the importance of certain reports being made to law enforcement authorities)
— how to make reports to USA Hockey and/or the Affiliate
— confidentiality of reports
— USA Hockey’s policy on anonymous reports
— USA Hockey’s policy on protecting those that made reports (“whistleblower” protection)
— USA Hockey’s policy prohibiting reports made in bad faith.
• How Reports are Handled, including:
— further reporting to law enforcement authorities when appropriate;
— circumstances in which immediate suspension or termination is appropriate; and
— circumstances where referral of the report to the applicable local program, Affiliate or USA Hockey to address, rectify and impose discipline where appropriate.
• Notification to parents of other participants.

REPORTING POLICY

Accordingly, it is the policy of USA Hockey that every employee or volunteer of any USA Hockey Member Program must report (1) actual or perceived violations of the USA Hockey SafeSport Program Handbook, (2) any violations of the Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Bullying, Threats or Harassment, or Hazing Policies, and (3) suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse to the appropriate USA Hockey representatives (as set forth below); additionally, in all cases involving suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse, every employee or volunteer of USA Hockey Member Programs must also report to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. Any report of misconduct or suspicions of child physical or sexual abuse will be taken seriously and handled appropriately. If USA Hockey receives a report of physical or sexual misconduct involving a minor, USA Hockey will make a report to the proper authorities.
In some cases an employee or volunteer may be hesitant about reporting suspected abuse because they are unsure about the credibility of the person making the allegation, are unsure about the credibility or validity of the facts on which the allegations are based, or are concerned about the potential consequences of a false report. It is critical that employees and/or volunteers should not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual abuse allegations as a condition for or prior to reporting their concerns.
Reporting Child Physical or Sexual Abuse
Child Physical or Sexual Abuse
Because sexual abusers “groom” children for abuse – the process used by offenders to select a child, to win the child’s trust (and the trust of the child’s parent or guardian), to manipulate the child into sexual activity and to keep the child from disclosing abuse – it is possible that an employee, volunteer, parent or participant may witness behavior intended to groom a child for sexual abuse. All questions or concerns related to inappropriate, suspicious or suspected grooming behavior should be directed to USA Hockey or the Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator.
Peer-to-Peer Sexual Abuse
Approximately 1/3 of all child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of other children and the obligation to report extends to peer-to-peer child sexual abuse. Whether or not a sexual interaction between children constitutes child sexual abuse turns on the existence of an aggressor, the age difference between the children, and/or whether there is an imbalance of power or intellectual capabilities. If you have any concerns that an interaction between children may constitute sexual abuse, report it to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and to USA Hockey or the Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator immediately.

Reporting Other Misconduct and Policy Violations

If any staff member and/or volunteer receives an allegation or observes misconduct or other inappropriate behavior, such as grooming, that is not reportable to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, it is the responsibility of each staff member and/or volunteer to report their observations to USA Hockey or the Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator immediately.
USA Hockey also strongly encourages parents, players and other hockey participants to communicate violations of the USA Hockey SafeSport Program Handbook and/or allegations and suspicions of child physical and sexual abuse to USA Hockey or the Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator immediately.

REPORTING PROCEDURE

To Whom to Report
Suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse may, and in many cases must, be made to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. In order to further protect USA Hockey programs and participants, such reports should also be made to USA Hockey and/or the applicable Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator. A compilation of information on when a person must make a report to law enforcement authorities can be found at:
1. www.childwelfare.gov
2. www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm
3. www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/
All reports of violations of any of the USA Hockey SafeSport policies or any violations of this SafeSport Program Handbook shall be made to USA Hockey and/or to the applicable Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator.
In some instances, a victim or complainant may feel more comfortable reporting to their local program administrator. Any reports to a local program administrator shall be forwarded by that administrator to USA Hockey. Depending on the circumstances, USA Hockey or the Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator may refer that report to the local program administrator for initial action, investigation and/or discipline.
How to Report to USA Hockey
Reports to USA Hockey may be made by: (1) clicking on the “Report to USA Hockey” link on the USA Hockey SafeSport Program webpage (usahockey.com/safesport), (2) emailing to SafeSport@usahockey.org, or (3) calling 800-888-4656.
The USA Hockey SafeSport Program webpage contains contact information for each Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator, and reports may also be directed to the SafeSport Coordinator for the applicable Affiliate.
USA Hockey and its Affiliates will take a report in the way that is most comfortable for the person initiating a report including an anonymous, in-person, verbal or written report. If reporting by email or use of the Reporting Form on the SafeSport Program webpage, it is strongly encouraged that the following information be included:
1. the name(s) and contact information of the complainant(s).
2. the type of misconduct alleged.
3. the name(s) of the individual(s) alleged to have committed the misconduct.
4. the approximate dates the misconduct was committed.
5. the names of other individuals who might have information regarding the alleged misconduct.
6. a summary statement of the reasons to believe that misconduct has occurred.
Confidentiality
To the extent permitted by law, and as appropriate, USA Hockey and all USA Hockey Member Programs shall keep confidential the complainant’s name on request, not make public the names of potential victims, the accused perpetrator or the people who made a report of child physical and sexual abuse to the authorities.
Anonymous Reporting
Anonymous reporting may make it difficult for USA Hockey or the Affiliate to investigate or properly address misconduct or abuse. However, USA Hockey recognizes it can be difficult for an athlete, teammate, friend or family member to report an allegation of misconduct and strives to remove as many barriers to reporting as possible. Anonymous reports may be made without the formality of completing a Report Form:
• by completing the Reporting Form without including their name.
• by expressing concerns verbally to USA Hockey, the Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator or to their local program administrator.
• through email to USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or to the Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator.
“Whistleblower” Protection
Regardless of outcome, it is the policy of USA Hockey and all USA Hockey Member Programs to support the complainant(s) and his or her right to express concerns in good faith. Neither USA Hockey nor any USA Hockey Member Program will encourage, allow or tolerate attempts from any individual, group or organization to retaliate, punish, allow or in any way harm any individual(s) who reports a concern in good faith. Such actions against a complainant will be considered a violation of the USA Hockey SafeSport Program and grounds for disciplinary action.
Bad-Faith Allegations
A report of abuse, misconduct or policy violations that is malicious, frivolous or made in bad faith is prohibited. Such reports will be considered a violation of the USA Hockey SafeSport Program and grounds for disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of the allegation, a person making a malicious, frivolous or bad-faith report may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.

HOW REPORTS ARE HANDLED

Suspicions or Allegations of Child Physical or Sexual Abuse
Reporting to Law Enforcement and/or Child Protective Services
An independent investigation can harm youth and/or interfere with the legal investigative process. Accordingly, USA Hockey, its Member Programs and their administrators, employees and/or volunteers shall not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of allegations of child physical or sexual abuse as a condition for or prior to reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities. As necessary, however, a person receiving a report may ask a few clarifying questions of the minor or person making the report to adequately report the suspicion or allegation to law enforcement authorities.
Additionally, most states have mandatory reporting laws making persons holdings certain positions required by law to report suspicions of sexual or physical abuse of a minor. For mandatory reporting laws, see:
1. www.childwelfare.gov
2. www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/manda.cfm
3. www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/
Immediate Suspension or Termination
When an allegation of child physical or sexual abuse is made against an employee, volunteer, independent contractor and/or other participant, USA Hockey and its Member Programs may immediately suspend the accused individual (i.e., a “summary suspension”) and/or immediately remove that individual from contact with any children in the program until the allegation has been investigated by an official agency. This shall apply whether or not the allegation involves an incident during a hockey program or event.
The accused individual shall be offered a hearing. A hearing under USA Hockey Bylaw 10 will not necessarily affect USA Hockey’s or the Member Program’s ability to immediately suspend or terminate the accused individual from employment or performing services for organization. Please refer to Section V of this Handbook on Responding to Abuse and Other Misconduct for more information on imposing discipline and hearing requirements.
An employee’s or volunteer’s failure to report in compliance with this policy is a violation of this policy and grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to termination of an employee and/or dismissal of a volunteer.
Other Misconduct and Policy Violations
When a bullying, harassment, hazing, emotional, physical, sexual or other abuse allegation is not reportable under relevant state or federal law, the local program, applicable Affiliate or USA Hockey shall internally address and investigate those alleged policy violations and misconduct, and impose discipline where appropriate.
Likewise, violations of USA Hockey’s Locker Room Policy, Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communications Policy, Travel Policy and Billeting Policy shall be reported to the local program, applicable Affiliate or USA Hockey to address, rectify and impose discipline where appropriate.
Follow Up Reports to the Affiliate and USA Hockey
All local programs shall promptly notify the applicable Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator of the results of any investigations, hearings or other proceedings within their program that involve violations of the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies or this SafeSport Handbook.
Each Affiliate SafeSport Coordinator shall promptly notify USA Hockey of the results of any investigations, hearings or other proceedings within their Affiliate that involve violations of the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies or this SafeSport Handbook.

NOTIFICATION

Following notice of a credible allegation that results in the removal of an employee, volunteer, independent contractor and/or other participant, USA Hockey, the Affiliate or local program may consider the circumstances in which it will notify parents of other participants with whom the accused individual may have had contact. As appropriate, USA Hockey, its Affiliates and/or local programs may notify its staff members, volunteers, parents, and/or participants of any allegation of child physical or sexual abuse or other criminal behavior that (1) law enforcement authorities are actively investigating; or (2) that is being investigated internally by USA Hockey, its Affiliates and/or local programs. Advising others of an allegation may lead to additional reports of child physical or sexual abuse and other misconduct.

North Devils Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse Policies

Effective the 2013/14 season, the North Devils hockey program is fully adopting the Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse policies of USA Hockey as stated in the USA Hockey SafeSport Program Handbook.
All program members should familiarize themselves with these policies, which set forth some of the boundaries for appropriate and inappropriate conduct.
The SafeSport Handbook is intended to remain a "living document" that may require changes on an ongoing basis to protect USA Hockey and its members, respond to the needs of USA Hockey and its Affiliates, and to comply with applicable law. Accordingly, the SafeSport Task Force will again provide an update to the Board of Directors at the 2014 Winter Meeting, and additional modifications to the Handbook will be considered in June, 2014.

Sexual Abuse

It is the policy of USA Hockey that there shall be no sexual abuse of any minor involved in any of its Member Programs by an employee, volunteer, independent contractor or another participant. Sexual abuse of a minor occurs when an adult employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant touches a minor for the purpose of causing the sexual arousal or gratification of either the minor or the employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant. Sexual abuse of a minor also occurs when a minor touches an employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant for the sexual arousal or sexual gratification of either the minor or the employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant, if the touching occurs at the request or with the consent of the employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant.
Sexual contact between or among children also can be abusive if there is a significant disparity in age, development, or size, rendering the younger child incapable of giving informed consent, if there is the existence of an aggressor, or where these is an imbalance of power and/or intellectual capabilities. The sexually abusive acts may include sexual penetration, sexual touching, or non-contact sexual acts such as exposure or voyeurism.
Neither consent of the minor to the sexual contact, mistake as to the participant’s age, nor the fact that the sexual contact did not take place at a hockey function are defenses to a complaint of sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse may also occur between adults or to an adult. Sexual abuse includes sexual interactions that are nonconsensual or accomplished by force or threat of force, or coerced or manipulated, regardless of the age of the participants.
Sexual abuse may also include non-touching offenses, such as sexually harassing behaviors; an adult discussing his/her sex life with a minor; an adult asking a minor about his/her sex life; an adult requesting or sending nude or partial dress photo to minor; exposing minors to pornographic material; sending minors sexually explicit electronic messages or photos (e.g. “sexting”); deliberately exposing a minor to sexual acts; or deliberately exposing a minor to inappropriate nudity.
Without limiting the above, any act or conduct described as sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or child sexual abuse under applicable federal or state law constitutes sexual abuse under this Policy.
Any USA Hockey member who engages in any act of sexual abuse or misconduct is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

Physical Abuse

It is the policy of USA Hockey that there shall be no physical abuse of any participant involved in any of its Member Programs by any employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant. Physical abuse means physical contact with a participant that intentionally causes or has the potential to cause the participant to sustain bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse also includes physical contact with a participant that intentionally creates a threat of immediate bodily harm or personal injury. Physical abuse may also include intentionally hitting or threatening to hit an athlete with objects or sports equipment.
In addition to physical contact or the threat of physical contact with a participant, physical abuse also includes the providing of alcohol to a participant under the age of consent and the providing of illegal drugs or non-prescribed medications to any participant.
Without limiting the above, any act or conduct described as physical abuse or misconduct under applicable federal or state law constitutes physical abuse under this Policy.
Physical abuse does not include physical contact that is reasonably designed to coach, teach, demonstrate or improve a hockey skill, including physical conditioning, team building and appropriate discipline. Permitted physical conduct may include, but is not necessarily limited to, shooting pucks at a goaltender, demonstrating checking and other hockey skills, and communicating with or directing participants during the course of a game or practice by touching or moving them in a non-threatening, non-sexual manner.
Any USA Hockey member who engages in any act of physical abuse is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

Emotional Abuse

It is the policy of USA Hockey that there shall be no emotional abuse of any participant involved in any of its Member Programs by an employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant. Emotional abuse involves a pattern of deliberate, non-contact behavior that has the potential to cause emotional or psychological harm to a participant. These behaviors may include verbal acts, physical acts or acts that deny attention or support.
Examples of emotional abuse prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation: a pattern of (a) verbal behaviors that (i) attack a participant personally by, e.g., calling them worthless, fat, or disgusting; or (ii) repeatedly and excessively yelling at a particular participant or participants in a manner that serves no productive motivational purpose; and (b) physically aggressive behaviors, such as (i) throwing sport equipment, water bottles, or chairs at participants; or (ii) punching walls, windows, or other objects.
Emotional abuse does not include generally-accepted and age appropriate coaching methods of skill enhancement, physical conditioning, motivation, team building, appropriate discipline, or improving athletic performance.
A USA Hockey member who engages in any act of emotional abuse is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

North Devils’ Travel Policy
The North Devils program has some teams that might travel to play individual games, two or three games at a time, or in tournaments, and some teams where there is no travel other than local travel to and from local rinks. North Devils have established policies to guide our travel, minimize one-on-one interactions and reduce the risk of abuse or misconduct. Adherence to these travel guidelines will increase player safety and improve the player’s experience while keeping travel a fun and enjoyable experience.
We distinguish between travel to training, skills sessions, practice and local games (“local travel”), and team travel involving a coordinated overnight stay (“team travel”).
Local Travel
Local travel occurs when North Devils or one of its teams does not sponsor, coordinate, or arrange for travel.

Players and/or their parents/guardians are responsible for making all arrangements for local travel. The team and its coaches or administrators should avoid responsibility for arranging or coordinating local travel. It is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to ensure the person transporting the minor player maintains the proper safety and legal requirements, including, but not limited to, a valid driver’s license, automobile liability insurance, a vehicle in safe working order, and compliance with applicable state laws.
The coaches, and/or volunteers of the North Devils program, who are not also acting as a parent, should not drive alone with an unrelated minor player and should only drive with at least two players or another adult at all times, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the minor player’s parent.
Where a coach and/or volunteer is involved in an unrelated minor player’s local travel, efforts should be made to ensure that the adult personnel are not alone with the unrelated player, by, for example, picking up or dropping off the players in groups. In any case where a coach and/or volunteer is involved in the player’s local travel, a parental release should be obtained in advance.
Coaches and volunteers who are also a player’s parent or guardian may provide shared transportation for any player(s) if they pick up their player first and drop off their player last in any shared or carpool travel arrangement.
It is recognized that in some limited instances it will be unavoidable for a coach or volunteer of North Devils to drive alone with an unrelated minor player. However, efforts should be made to minimize these occurrences and to mitigate any circumstances that could lead to allegations of abuse or misconduct.

Team Travel
Team travel is overnight travel that occurs when the North Devils program or one of its teams’ coaches or administrators, coordinates or arranges for travel so that our teams can compete locally, regionally, nationally or internationally. Because of the greater distances, coaches, staff, volunteers and chaperones will travel with the players.

When possible, North Devils will provide reasonable advance notice before team travel. Travel notice will also include designated team hotels for overnight stays as well as a contact person within the North Devils program or the team. This individual will be the point of contact to confirm your intention to travel and to help with travel details.
North Devils will post specific travel itineraries when they become available. These will include a more detailed schedule as well as contact information for team travel chaperones. North Devils will make efforts to provide adequate supervision through coaches and other adult chaperones. North Devils will make efforts so that there is at least one coach or adult chaperone for each five to eight players. If a team is composed of both male and female players, then we will attempt to arrange chaperones of the both genders. However, we rely on parents to serve as chaperones and may be limited in providing this match.
Regardless of gender, a coach shall not share a hotel room or other sleeping arrangement with a minor player (unless the coach is the parent, guardian or sibling of the player).

No employee, coach, or volunteer will engage in team travel without the proper safety requirements in place and on record, including valid drivers’ licenses, automobile liability insurance as required by applicable state law, a vehicle in safe working order, and compliance with all state laws. All chaperones shall have been screened in compliance with the USA Hockey Screening Policy and all team drivers shall have been screened and the screen shall include a check of appropriate Department of Motor Vehicle records. A parent that has not been screened may participate in team activities and assist with supervision/monitoring of the players, but will not be permitted to have any one-on-one interactions with players.

Players should share rooms with other players of the same gender, with the appropriate number of players assigned per room depending on accommodations.
The coach will establish a curfew by when all players must be in their hotel rooms or in a supervised location. Regular monitoring and curfew checks will be made of each room by at least two properly screened adults.
The team personnel shall ask hotels to block adult pay-per-view channels.
Individual meetings between a player and coach may not occur in hotel sleeping rooms and must be held in public settings or with additional adults present.
All players will be permitted to make regular check-in phone calls to parents. Team personnel shall allow for any unscheduled check in phone calls initiated by either the player or parents.
Family members who wish to stay in the team hotel are permitted and encouraged to do so.

The team will make every effort to accommodate reasonable parental requests when a child is away from home without a parent. If any special arrangements are necessary for your child, please contact the team personnel who can either make or assist with making those arrangements.

Team meetings do not occur in hotel rooms, but the team may reserve a separate space for adults and athletes to socialize.

If disciplinary action against a player is required while the player is traveling without his/her parents, then except where immediate action is necessary, parents will be notified before any action is taken or immediately after the action.
No coach or chaperone shall at any time be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while performing their coaching and/or chaperoning duties.

In all cases involving travel, parents have the right to transport their minor player and have the minor player stay in their hotel room.
During team travel, coaches, team personnel and chaperones will help players, fellow coaches and team personnel adhere to policy guidelines, including, without limitation, the Travel Policy, Locker Room Policy and Reporting Policy.
Prior to any travel, coaches will endeavor to make players and parents aware of all expectations and rules. Coaches will also support chaperones and/or participate in the monitoring of the players for adherence to curfew restrictions and other travel rules.

Prohibited Conduct and Reporting
North Devils program prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Participants, employees or volunteers in the North Devils program may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of the Travel Policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse or that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected violations, you may email North Devils at northhockey@comcast.net, USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or call North Hockey at 508-507-1952 or USA Hockey at 800-888-4656.

North Devils Bullying and Hazing Policies
Effective the 2013/14 season, the North Devils hockey program is fully adopting the following policies of USA Hockey as stated in the USA Hockey SafeSport Program Handbook:

Bullying, Threats and Harassment Policy
Hazing Policy

All program members should familiarize themselves with these policies, which set forth some of the boundaries for appropriate and inappropriate conduct.
The SafeSport Handbook is intended to remain a "living document" that may require changes on an ongoing basis to protect USA Hockey and its members, respond to the needs of USA Hockey and its Affiliates, and to comply with applicable law. Accordingly, the SafeSport Task Force will again provide an update to the Board of Directors at the 2014 Winter Meeting, and additional modifications to the Handbook will be considered in June, 2014.

Bullying , Threats and Harassment

USA Hockey supports an environment for participation in hockey conducive to the enjoyment of hockey that is free from threats, harassment, and any type of bullying behavior. The purpose of this policy is to promote consistency of approach and to help create a climate in which all types of bullying, harassing or threatening behavior are regarded as unacceptable.

Bullying

Bullying is the use of coercion to obtain control over another person or to be habitually cruel to another person. Bullying involves an intentional, persistent or repeated pattern of committing or willfully tolerating physical and non-physical behaviors that are intended to cause fear, humiliation, or physical harm in an attempt to socially exclude, diminish, or isolate another person. Bullying can occur through written, verbal or electronically transmitted expression or by means of a physical act or gesture. Bullying behavior is prohibited in any manner in connection with any USA Hockey sanctioned activities or events.
Examples of bullying prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation physical behaviors, including punching, kicking or choking an athlete; and verbal and emotional behaviors, including, the use of electronic communications (i.e., “cyber bullying”), to harass, frighten, degrade, intimidate or humiliate.
While other team members are often the perpetrators of bullying, it is a violation of this Policy if a coach or other responsible adult knows or should know of the bullying behavior but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the targeted participant(s).
A USA Hockey participant or parent of a participant who engages in any act of bullying is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the bullying behavior and/or result shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.

Threats

A threat to harm others is defined as any written, verbal, physical or electronically transmitted expression of intent to physically injure or harm someone else. A threat may be communicated directly to the intended victim or communicated to a third party. Threatening behavior is prohibited in any manner in connection with any USA Hockey sanctioned activities or events.
Any USA Hockey participant or parent of a participant who engages in any act of threatening or harassing behavior is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the threatening behavior and/or result shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.

Harassment

Harassment in sport includes any pattern of physical and/or non-physical behaviors that (a) are intended to cause fear, humiliation, or annoyance, (b) offend or degrade, (c) create a hostile environment, or (d) reflect discriminatory bias in an attempt to establish dominance, superiority, or power over an individual participant or group based on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender expression, or mental or physical disability.
Examples of harassment prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation such non-physical offenses as (a) making negative or disparaging comments about a participant’s sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, religion, skin color, or ethnic traits; (b) displaying offensive materials, gestures, or symbols; and (c) withholding or reducing playing time to a participant based on his/her sexual orientation.
Sexual Harassment is a form of harassment prohibited by this Policy. It shall be a violation for any employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant to harass a participant(s) through conduct or communications of a sexual nature or to retaliate against anyone that reports sexual harassment or participates in a harassment investigation. USA Hockey and/or its Affiliate organizations shall investigate all indications, informal reports and formal grievances of sexual harassment by any employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant and appropriate corrective action shall be taken. Corrective action includes taking all reasonable steps to end the harassment, to prevent harassment from recurring and to prevent retaliation against anyone who reports sexual harassment or participates in a harassment investigation.
Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may constitute sexual harassment, even if the harasser and the participant being harassed are the same sex and whether or not the participant resists or submits to the harasser, when:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a participant’s participation in any activity; or
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a participant is used as the basis for decisions affecting the participant; or
3. Such conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive such that it limits a participant’s ability to participate in or benefit from a hockey related program or activity or it creates a hostile or abusive environment.
Any conduct of a sexual nature directed by a minor toward an adult or by an adult to a minor is presumed to be unwelcome and shall constitute sexual harassment.
Acts of verbal or physical aggression, intimidation or hostility based on sex, but not involving conduct of a sexual nature may also constitute sexual harassment. Legitimate non-sexual touching or other non-sexual conduct is not sexual harassment.
While other team members are often the perpetrators of harassment or sexual harassment, it is a violation of this Policy if a coach or other responsible adult knows or should know of the harassment or sexual harassment but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the targeted participant(s).
A USA Hockey participant or parent of a participant who engages in any act of harassing or sexually harassing behavior is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension, permanent suspension, and/or referral to law enforcement authorities. The severity and pattern, if any, of the harassing or sexually harassing behavior and/or result shall be taken into consideration when disciplinary decisions are made.

Hazing

It is the policy of USA Hockey that there shall be no hazing of any participant involved in any of its Member Programs by any employee, volunteer, independent contractor or other participant.
Hazing includes any conduct which is intimidating, humiliating, offensive, or physically harmful. The hazing conduct is typically an activity that serves as a condition for joining a group or being socially accepted by a group’s members.
Examples of hazing prohibited by this Policy include, without limitation, requiring or forcing (including through peer pressure) the consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs; tying, taping, or physically restraining a participant; sexual simulations or sexual acts of any nature; sleep deprivation, or the withholding of water and/or food; social actions (e.g. grossly inappropriate or provocative clothing) or public displays (e.g. public nudity) that are illegal or meant to draw ridicule; beating, paddling, or other forms of physical assault. The activity known as “Locker Boxing” (aka fighting with helmet and gloves) is also a form of hazing that can produce head trauma in children and young adults and is prohibited in any USA Hockey Member Program.
Activities that fit the definition of hazing are considered to be hazing regardless of a person’s willingness to cooperate or participate.
Hazing does not include group or team activities that are meant to establish normative team behaviors, or promote team cohesion, so long as such activities do not have reasonable potential to cause emotional or physical distress to any participant. Examples of activities that do not constitute hazing include directing or allowing a younger player to pick up pucks or move nets after practice or bring or fill water bottles, or giving older players first preference in team assignments, responsibilities, accommodations, facilities, or equipment.
While other team members are often the perpetrators of hazing toward their teammates, it is a violation of this Policy if a coach or other responsible adult knows or should know of the hazing but takes no action to intervene on behalf of the targeted participant(s).
A USA Hockey participant or parent of a participant who violates this Hazing Policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including but not limited, to suspension, permanent suspension and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

North Devils’ Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communication Policy
As part of North Devils’ emphasis on participant safety, communications involving our minor participants should be appropriate, productive, and transparent. Effective communication concerning travel, practice or game schedules, and administrative issues among coaches, administrators, players and their families is critical.
However, the use of mobile devices, web-based applications, social media, and other forms of electronic communications increases the possibility for improprieties and misunderstandings and also provides potential offenders with unsupervised and potentially inappropriate access to participants. The improper use of mobile and electronic communications can result in misconduct. Adherence to the Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communications Policy helps reduce these risks.
All electronic communication between coach and player must be for the purpose of communicating information about team activities. Coaches, players and all team personnel must follow common sense guidelines regarding the volume and time of day of any allowed electronic communication. All content between coaches and players should be readily available to share with the public or families of the player or coach. All email, text, social media, or similar communication with a player must also copy or include the player’s parents.
Social Media
Social media makes it easy to share ideas and experiences. North Devils organization recognizes, however, that social media, mobile and other electronic communications can be especially concerning where minor participants are involved. Coaches are prohibited from having players joined to their personal Facebook page or any other similar social media application. To facilitate communication, an official North Devils Facebook page is set up and team pages may be set up and players and parents may join (i.e. “friend”) the official North Devils Facebook page or their team page and coaches can communicate to players through this site. All electronic communication of any kind between coach and player, including use of social media, must be non-personal in nature and be for the purpose of communicating information about team activities or for team oriented motivational purposes.
Email, Text Messaging and Similar Electronic Communications
Coaches, team administrators, parents and players may use email and text messaging to communicate. All email and text message content between coaches/team administrators and players must be non-personal in nature and be for the purpose of communicating information about team activities. Emails and text messages from a coach or team administrator to any player must include a copy to parents. Where possible, a coach/team administrator should use the North Devils website email functionality for all communications with the team and players.
Request To Discontinue All Electronic Communications or Imagery with Athlete
Following receipt of a written request by the parents that their child not be contacted by any form of electronic communication by coaches or other adults, or that the imagery or their child not be used on North Devils website, North Devils Facebook page, or the team’s Facebook page, the North Devils program, team coaches and administrators shall immediately comply with such request without any repercussions for such request.
Abuse and Misconduct
Social media and other means of electronic communication can be used to commit abuse and misconduct (e.g., emotional, sexual, bullying, harassment, and hazing). Such communications by any member of the North Devils program (coach, parent, or player) will not be tolerated and are considered violations of USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program.
Reporting
Infractions of North Devils’ Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communications Policy should be reported to the North Devils president. A North Devils program participant or parent of a participant who violates this Social Media, Mobile and Electronic Communications Policy is subject to appropriate disciplinary action including but not limited to suspension, permanent suspension and/or referral to law enforcement authorities.

North Devils’ Locker Room Policy
In addition to the development of our hockey players and enjoyment of the sport of hockey, the safety and protection of our participants is central to North Devils organization’s goals. The North Devils program adheres to USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program as a means to help protect its participants from physical abuse, sexual abuse and other types of misconduct, including emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing. To help prevent abuse or misconduct from occurring in our locker rooms, the North Devils program has adopted the following locker room policy. This policy is designed to maintain personal privacy as well as to reduce the risk of misconduct in locker rooms.
Locker Room Monitoring
The North Devils program has predictable and limited use of locker rooms and changing areas (generally 30 minutes before and following practices and games). This allows for direct and regular monitoring of locker room areas. While constant monitoring inside of locker rooms and changing areas might be the most effective way to prevent problems, we understand that this would likely make some players uncomfortable and may even place our staff at risk for unwarranted suspicion.
We conduct a sweep of the locker rooms and changing areas before players arrive, and if the coaches are not inside the locker rooms, a coach (each of which has been screened) will be posted directly outside of the locker rooms and changing areas during periods of use, and leave the doors open only when adequate privacy is still possible, so that only participants (coaches and players), approved team personnel and family members are permitted in the locker room. Team personnel will also secure the locker room appropriately during times when the team is on the ice.
Parents in Locker Rooms
Except for players at the younger age groups – Squirts and under, we discourage parents from entering locker rooms unless it is truly necessary. If a player needs assistance with his or her uniform or gear, if the player is or may be injured, or a player’s disability warrants assistance, then we ask that parents let the coach know beforehand that he or she will be helping the player.
Naturally, with our youngest age groups it is necessary for parents to assist the players getting dressed. We encourage parents to teach their players as young as possible how to get dressed so that players will learn as early as possible how to get dressed independently. In circumstances where parents are permitted in the locker room, coaches are permitted to ask that the parents leave for a short time before the game and for a short time after the game so that the coaches may address the players. As players get older, the coach may in his or her discretion prohibit parents from a locker room.
Mixed Gender Teams
Some of our teams consist of both male and female players. It is important that the privacy rights of all of our players are given consideration and appropriate arrangements made. Where possible, North Devils will have the male and female players dress/undress in separate locker rooms and then convene in a single locker room before the game or team meeting. Once the game or practice is finished, the players may come to one locker room for a team meeting and then the male and female players proceed to their separate locker rooms to undress and shower, if available. If separate locker rooms are not available, then the players will take turns using the locker room to change. We understand that these arrangements may require that players arrive earlier or leave later to dress, but believe that this is the most reasonable way to accommodate and respect all of our players.
Cell Phones and Other Mobile Recording Devices
Cell phones and other mobile devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras and video cameras, are not permitted to be used in the locker rooms. If phones or other mobile devices must be used, they should be taken outside of the locker room.
Prohibited Conduct and Reporting
North Devils program prohibits all types of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, threats, harassment and hazing, all as described in the USA Hockey SafeSport Handbook. Participants, employees or volunteers in North Devils program may be subject to disciplinary action for violation of these locker room policies or for engaging in any misconduct or abuse or that violates the USA Hockey SafeSport Policies. Reports of any actual or suspected violations, you may email North Devils at northhockey@comcast.net, USA Hockey at SafeSport@usahockey.org or call North Hockey at 508-507-1952 or USA Hockey at 800-888-4656.